Caregiver Concerns

Warning signs that may indicate change is needed.

Whatever stage you’re at in the conversation, you’re probably here because you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s needs. It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when it’s the best time to consider a move to a senior living community, but noticing any of these red flags can indicate that it may be time to begin discussions. And realize it may take some time. It's an emotional decision that may very well require more than one conversation before a consensus is reached.

Physical/Emotional:

Has my loved one lost weight?

Is he or she experiencing pain or difficulty in walking?

Have you noticed decreased interest in hobbies or favorite activities?

Is meal preparation a concern to maintain a proper diet?

Safety:

Has he or she fallen recently?

Is home maintenance a problem?

Would he or she have difficulty reaching emergency help if needed?

Are medication directions being properly followed?

Social:

Does my loved one appear lonely?

Is he or she disconnecting from friends?

Has my loved stopped attending religious services or disconnected from their parish?

Starting the Dialogue

Let’s face it: starting a discussion about moving a loved one to a senior living community can be tough. Beneath the many emotions that may surface is often an underlying sense of fear which often manifests in one or more of these common objections:

Fear of leaving home. Fear of leaving the familiar comforts of home is common and understandable. Research the options prior to having the discussion with your loved one, so you’ll be prepared with reassurances such as the ability to remain living within the same community, being able to keep most, if not all, of his or her favorite pieces of furniture and belongings, and maintaining pet ownership.

Not ready yet. Your loved one may express an objection to making a change now, although they realize it’s a possibility for the future. Convincing them to visit a senior living community without commitments may be a good idea just to get an idea of what it’s like.

Cost. If cost is a concern, let your loved one know that there are a variety of finance options available. Again, visiting the community for those specific details is helpful.

Loss of independence. No one wants to feel vulnerable and dependent upon others for every need. Reassure your loved one that he or she will maintain full control over day-to-day decisions:

What and when to eat Which activities to participate in When to sleep Which friends to spend time with When and where to go When to be social and when to seek privacy

Independence is actually enhanced in a community environment like a senior living campus.

Relieving Guilt

Making a major care decision, such as moving a loved one to a senior living community, often results in feelings of guilt for family members who feel as though they’re letting them down and should be able to provide the necessary level of care themselves.

We want to assure you, however, that nothing could be farther from the truth. It’s an incredibly selfless act to take steps to ensure that your loved one’s physical, emotional, and social well-being are a top priority. Senior living communities, such as Saint Therese, allow seniors to grow and thrive in ways that aren’t possible in a restricted home environment.

With new friendships, a variety of interesting and engaging activities and events, delicious and nutritious meals, and a sense of freedom from homemaking and maintenance tasks, seniors’ lives are enhanced to the fullest.

We invite you to contact us to discuss in more detail how senior living at Saint Therese can allow your loved ones the opportunity to begin a new and exciting chapter of life.